We just finally managed to arrange weather, time and opportunity to take out our brand new 2021 9.9 Yamaha High Thrust kicker and run it enough to call it broke in. It is an electric start power lift model that we replaced a very dependable 9.9 Yamaha that was totally adequate. We probably didn’t really need to replace our kicker but there are a couple of advantages with the new motor that we use all the time for trolling for salmon. They are in order of importance in my opinion, electric start is awesome, that comes with battery charging while trolling, power tilt is well worth the 5 extra pounds, and the fact that it pushes our 22 Cruiser at almost 6 knots according to to GPS. (About a 1.5 knot improvement over old kicker.) The High Thrust engine seems to cause less harmonic vibrations in the cabin while trolling and that is an added bonus. We have it mounted on the old kicker bracket and it nicely complements the new 115 Yamaha repower we put on earlier last year. With the 115 we are enjoying a faster ride when wanted, quieter when poking along and plenty of reserve horse power for what we might need. The cost was so close to other brands and the name recognition for possible resale made it all a great deal as the trade ins were great.
In answer to your question I would definitely go with a higher horse power and have plenty of power to buck the tides while trolling. I know, but it seems like I am always going the wrong way. Happy Cuising!
